Jayson Tatum continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in Boston Celtics history. The six-time All-Star has been the face of the franchise since being drafted third overall in 2017, and one his latest achievements places him in an elite category—one that even Larry Bird didn’t reach.
On Feb. 12, the NBA announced that Tatum is on pace to surpass Bird on a historic Celtics list.
“Jayson Tatum is on pace to average 25+ PPG for the 5th straight season, which would pass Larry Bird’s record (1984-1988) for the most consecutive seasons averaging 25+ PPG in Celtics franchise history,” the NBA wrote on X.
Jayson Tatum is on pace to average 25+ PPG for the 5th straight season, which would pass Larry Bird's record (1984-1988) for the most consecutive seasons averaging 25+ PPG in Celtics franchise history. pic.twitter.com/HY32OKQeqN
— NBA (@NBA) February 12, 2025
With just 26 games left in the regular season, Tatum is well on track to surpass Bird’s record, averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists this season.
Following a 15-point triple-double in the win against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night, Tatum was asked about his name being linked to Bird.
“Once you win a championship, it’s like alright, you can be in those rooms with the Celtics legends,” Tatum said, via NBC Sports Boston. “But it doesn’t just stop at one. You’ve obviously got to win multiple, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Jayson Tatum on when he decided to chase Larry Bird to become the best Celtic ever:
“Once you win a championship, it’s like alright, you can be in those rooms with the Celtics legends. But it doesn’t just stop at one. You’ve obviously got to win multiple, and that’s what we’re… pic.twitter.com/QxbBMjapC3
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) February 21, 2025
Tatum also praised Bird, calling him the greatest Celtic of all time and a role model.
“And I always wanted to be the best,” Tatum sad. “And he’s, in my opinion, the best Celtic ever. He did it the right way, and he’s a great guy to chase in a sense.”
Tatum has already helped lead Boston to five Eastern Conference Finals and played a crucial role in the franchise’s historic 18th NBA Championship last season. The Celtics (40-16) are currently a top favorite to repeat as champions, and another ring could see Tatum move higher up the list of the storied franchise’s all-time greats.
